Retelling the American Civil War: A Stephenson Center for Appalachia Lecture

UPDATE: This event has been rescheduled to Thursday, October 18 at 6 p.m. in Evans Auditorium.

Former professor of history Allen Speer and director of Lees-McRae Summer Theatre and wife Janet Speer, will come together in Evans Auditorium on Thursday, Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. to share stories of the Civil War in a whole new way.

The presentation is based on Allen Speer’s award-winning book Voices Trilogy, “Fractured Republic: The Civil War in the North Carolina Quaker Belt,” which explores the ways in which religion, attitudes toward slavery, and the conflict between allegiance to state versus country roiled communities and families in the Yadkin Valley.

In a readers theater format, the duo will present stories of the personal conflicts and struggles the War of the Rebellion brought to the folks of the Quaker Belt. The program also pulls in research in Speers’ family letters, diaries, and other documents saved from the time of the Civil War, as well as public accounts of the times.

“This presentation combines their strengths: the historical acumen of Allen with the theatrical power of Janet,” said Director of the Stephenson Center for Appalachia Michael Joslin. “Everyone is welcome to share the evening with us.”

Stephenson Center for Appalachia programs are free and open to the public. For more information, email joslin@lmc.edu.